Dispenser for two different types of paper or nonwoven products

ABSTRACT

A device dispenser for at least two different types of paper or nonwoven products is provided. The dispenser is adapted to be mounted in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper provided with a core, and includes a first compartment adapted to contain a first type of paper or nonwoven product, and a second compartment adapted to contain a second type of paper or nonwoven product. The dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a substantially cylindrical outer shell, a first end wall and a second end wall, wherein the outer shell is connected to the first and second end walls. Also an arrangement including such a dispenser and two different paper or nonwoven products in two compartments of the dispenser.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of dispensers for at least two different types of paper or nonwoven products according to the precharacterizing portion of claim 1. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising such a dispenser and two different paper or nonwoven products in two compartments of the dispenser.

BACKGROUND

WO 00/65973 discloses a dispenser for pre-moistened wipes and dry bathroom tissue. The dispenser comprises two compartments, an upper compartment for the pre- moistened wipes and a lower compartment for the dry bathroom tissue. The dispenser is attached to a conventional bathroom tissue fixture for bathroom tissue rolls either by means of a dedicated mounting device or by means of a U-shaped mounting device to be attached to a roll bar of the conventional bathroom fixture.

Accordingly, mounting of this type of dispenser in a bathroom involves several parts and several steps of manipulation. Also, this type of dispenser takes up considerably more space than a conventional paper roll holder in a bathroom, and can not be mounted in a conventional paper roll holder of the type where there is provided a tray where a roll of tissue is placed and where the holder accordingly is not provided with a roll bar.

WO 2004/103138 discloses a dispenser adapted to dispense sheets as a table top dispenser and convertible into a dispenser configured to dispense sheets from a conventional rolled product fixture. The dispenser comprises a pivotably mounted platform. The housing is supported above the platform on the fixture when coupled thereto.

WO 2004/103139 discloses a dispenser containing sheets. The dispenser is adapted to be releasably coupled to a conventional rolled product fixture. The dispenser is suspended from the fixture such that the sheets are arranged below the fixture.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide an uncomplicated and easily handled dispenser for two different types of paper or nonwoven products.

According to an aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a dispenser for at least two different types of paper or nonwoven products, wherein the dispenser is adapted to be mounted in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper. The dispenser comprises a first compartment adapted to contain a first type of paper or nonwoven product, and a second compartment adapted to contain a second type of paper or nonwoven product. The dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape and comprises a substantially cylindrical outer shell, a first end wall and a second end wall, wherein the outer shell is connected to the first and second end walls. The first and second end walls are provided with substantially centrally arranged openings adapted to receive an axle of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or protrusions of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper.

Since the dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape it easily fits a holder for a roll of absorbent paper of comparable size. Furthermore, the dispenser may easily be mounted in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper without complicated fastening arrangements. The already present axle or protrusions of the holder may simply be used. When a user again wants to use the holder with an ordinary roll of absorbent paper the dispenser may easily be removed and replaced by the roll of absorbent paper.

As a result, the above mentioned object is achieved.

It is to be understood that also hybrid products comprising paper and nonwoven fibres are encompassed in the expression; paper or nonwoven products.

According to example embodiments the first type of paper or nonwoven product may be dry absorbent paper and the second type of paper or nonwoven product may be a wet paper or nonwoven product. Alternatively, the first type of paper or nonwoven product may be dry absorbent paper and the second type of paper or nonwoven product may be a dry paper or nonwoven product of a different kind than the first type of paper or nonwoven product. The wet product may be provided either for a cleaning purpose or for a treating purpose other than cleaning. Also a dry paper or nonwoven product may comprise an additive, e.g. for skin treating purposes.

According to example embodiments the dispenser may comprise an arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser. It may thus be ensured that the dispenser will remain in a position in the holder when the two different types of paper or nonwoven products are grasped from the dispenser by a user.

According to example embodiments the arrangement for preventing rotation may comprise a first friction device arranged in or at, at least one of, the centrally arranged openings, the first friction device being adapted for cooperation with an axle of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or protrusions of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper.

According to example embodiments the arrangement for preventing rotation may comprise a second friction device arranged on an outside of the substantially cylindrical outer shell. Such a second friction device may for instance abut against a portion of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or against a wall to which the dispenser is attached.

According to example embodiments the arrangement for preventing rotation may comprise a protrusion arranged on an outside of the substantially cylindrical outer shell. Such a protrusion may again abut against a portion of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or against a wall where the dispenser is attached.

According to example embodiments the substantially cylindrical outer shell may be provided with a first dispensing opening to provide access to the first compartment and a second dispensing opening to provide access to the second compartment.

According to example embodiments the second dispensing opening may be provided with a sealing arrangement. Such a sealing arrangement may provide a moisture barrier which may make it more difficult for liquids and gases to escape from and/or enter the second compartment. This may be useful if the second compartment contains wet or moist paper or nonwoven products, which then may be kept moist longer than if the second compartment were not provided with a sealing arrangement. In connection with the sealing arrangement a lid may be arranged to provide access to the second compartment, e.g. for refilling the second compartment.

According to example embodiments an inside of the second compartment may be covered with a moisture resistant lining. This may be advantageous if the dispenser is manufactured from a moisture absorbing material.

According to example embodiments the first compartment may have a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to contain a roll of paper or nonwoven product. In case the dispenser is arranged in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper provided with an axle or protrusions for a roll of absorbent paper, the axle or the protrusions may engage a core of the roll of paper or nonwoven product.

According to example embodiments the second compartment may have a substantially flat elongated cross section and may extend across an inner surface of the substantially cylindrical outer shell. In this manner a roll of paper or nonwoven product may still fit relatively unobstructedly inside the first compartment.

According to example embodiments at least a portion of the first end wall may be removably attached to the substantially cylindrical outer shell such that access to an inside of the dispenser is provided. The access may be provided to the first compartment and/or the second compartment. The portion of the first end wall may form a door, which may be used for refilling the dispenser. In addition to the removable end wall a separate lid suitably in connection with the second dispensing opening may provide access to the second compartment for refilling.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement comprising

-   -   a dispenser according to aspects discussed above,     -   a roll of a first paper or nonwoven product arranged in the         first compartment, and     -   a second paper or nonwoven product of a different type than in         the first compartment arranged in the second compartment. In         this manner a dispenser filled with two different types of paper         or nonwoven products may readily be provided for attachment to a         holder for a roll of absorbent paper.

According to example embodiments the second paper or nonwoven product may be a wet paper or nonwoven product and may be contained in a separate package arranged in the second compartment. By providing a wet paper or nonwoven product in a separate package, refilling of the second compartment may be facilitated.

According to example embodiments the roll of the first paper or nonwoven product may be a roll of dry absorbent paper provided with a central through hole centred around the centrally arranged openings of the first and second end walls and which roll is arranged to rotate inside the first compartment. In this manner there may be provided a dry paper or nonwoven product in the first compartment and a wet paper or nonwoven product in the second compartment.

According to example embodiments the arrangement further may comprise a packaging envelope and a number of separate rolls of the first paper or nonwoven product. The dispenser and the number of separate rolls of the first paper or nonwoven product may be wrapped in the packaging envelope. In this manner the dispenser may be provided to a user in a sales facility including spare rolls of paper or nonwoven product.

Also one or more spare packages of the second paper or non-woven product may be provided in the packaging envelope.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a dispenser according to example embodiments,

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a dispenser according to example embodiments arranged in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper,

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a cross section through a dispenser according to example embodiments,

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a dispenser with a first end wall removed, and

FIG. 5 illustrates an arrangement comprising a dispenser and a number of rolls of paper or nonwoven product according to example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. However, this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Disclosed features of example embodiments may be combined as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions may in some instances not have been described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a dispenser 2 according to example embodiments. The dispenser 2 has a cylindrical outer shell 4 provided with a first end wall 6 and a second non-visible end wall 8. The cylindrical outer shell 4 is provided with a first dispensing opening 10 and a second dispensing opening 12. The first and second dispensing openings 10, 12 provide access to an inside of the dispenser 2 such that two different types of paper or nonwoven products may be dispensed through the dispensing openings 10, 12, one type of paper or nonwoven product through each dispensing opening 10, 12. The first type of paper or nonwoven product may be dry absorbent paper 14 and the second type of paper or nonwoven product may be a wet paper or nonwoven product 16.

The first and second end walls 6, 8 are each provided with an opening 18 such that an axle of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or protrusions of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper may extend through one or both of the openings 18. The openings 18 are substantially centrally arranged on the cylindrically shaped dispenser 2. The openings 18 are provided with an arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser 2 when it is mounted in a holder. The arrangement for preventing rotation comprises a first friction device in the form of rubber protrusions 20. Alternative first friction devices may comprise protrusions made from a different material or a serrated edge portion of the opening 18.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a dispenser 2 according to example embodiments arranged in a holder 22 for a roll of absorbent paper. The holder may be mounted to a wall by means of screws 24. An axle 26 of the holder 22 extends through openings 18 of the dispenser 2 to mount the dispenser 2 in the holder 22. The openings 18 are provided with a non-shown first friction device which ensures that the dispenser 2 prevents the holder 2 from rotating when it is mounted in the holder 22.

Again, first and second dispensing openings 10, 12 provide access to an inside of the dispenser 2 such that two different types of paper or nonwoven products may be dispensed through the dispensing openings 10, 12. The second dispensing opening 12 is provided with a sealing arrangement 28 in the form of sealing lips, which provide relatively moisture tight access to an inside of the dispenser 2. In this manner a wet paper or nonwoven product kept in the dispenser 2 is prevented from drying out too quickly.

The dispenser 2 is provided with a second friction device in the form of a rubber pad 30 arranged on an outer side of the dispenser 2. The rubber pad 30 is positioned such that it will abut a portion of a holder of a type where a roll of absorbent paper, and accordingly the dispenser 2, rests on a substantially horizontal surface.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a cross section through a dispenser 2 according to example embodiments. An inside of the dispenser 2 is divided into two compartments, a first compartment 32 and a second compartment 34. The first compartment 32 is has a shape such that a roll 36 of absorbent paper 14 may be arranged therein. A first dispensing opening 10 of the dispenser 2 provides access to the first compartment 32. Accordingly, absorbent paper 14 from the roll 36 may be dispensed through the first dispensing opening 10. The second compartment 34 has a substantially flat elongated cross section and extends across an inner surface of a substantially cylindrical outer shell 4 of the dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 is provided with a second dispensing opening 12 providing access to the second compartment 34. Through the second dispensing opening 12 e.g. a wet paper or nonwoven product 16 may be dispensed.

In the second compartment 34 a separate package 38 of a wet paper or nonwoven product 16 is arranged. The package 38 is provided with a dispensing opening, through which the wet paper or non-woven product 16 may be dispensed. Accordingly, when a user dispenses the wet paper or nonwoven product 16 from the dispenser 2, it is dispensed both through the dispensing opening of the package 38 and the second dispensing opening 12 of the dispenser 2.

The dispenser 2 is on its outside provided with an arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser in the form of a protrusion 40. When the dispenser 2 is arranged in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper, the protrusion 40 abuts a portion of the holder or an adjacent wall and thus prevents the dispenser 2 from rotating when a user dispenses a product from any of the dispensing openings 10, 12.

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a dispenser 2 with a first end wall removed. When the first end wall is removed access is provided to an inside of the dispenser 2. In addition to the removed first end wall, the dispenser 2 comprises an outer shell 4 and a second end wall 8 which is provided with an opening 18 for an axle or protrusion of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper. The dispenser 2 is provided with a first, a second and a third compartment 32, 34, 42. A respective dispensing opening 10, 12, 44 provides access to each compartment 32, 34, 42 for dispensing a wet paper or nonwoven product from a respective compartment 32, 34, 42. The first compartment 32 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is adapted to contain a roll of absorbent paper. The second compartment 34 may comprise a wet paper or nonwoven product adapted for a cleaning purpose. The wet paper or nonwoven product may either be arranged in a separate package or directly arranged in the second compartment 34. The third compartment 42 may comprise wet a paper or nonwoven product comprising a lotion with skin treating properties other than cleaning. Again, this product may be either arranged in a separate package or directly arranged in the third compartment 42.

The dispenser 2, on an outside of the shell 4, is provided with an arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser in the form of a flexible protrusion 46. In an unengaged state the flexible protrusion 46 is arranged in a first position along the shell 4, as indicated by a curved dotted line in FIG. 4. When the flexible protrusion 46 is in an engaged state it is bent out from the dispenser 2 and abuts e.g. a wall 48, as illustrated, or a portion of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper. The flexible protrusion 48 illustrated in FIG. 4 prevents clockwise rotation of the dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 may be provided with a further flexible protrusion similar to the flexible protrusion 48. The further flexible protrusion is adapted to prevent rotation of the dispenser 2 in a counter clockwise direction.

FIG. 5 illustrates an arrangement comprising a dispenser 2 and a number of rolls 50 of paper or nonwoven product according to example embodiments. The dispenser 2 and five separate rolls 50 of paper or nonwoven product, e.g. dry absorbent paper, are arranged in a packaging envelop 52. In this manner a consumer may be offered a dispenser 2 together with rolls 50 for refilling the dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 in the packaging envelop 52 may be provided ready to use, i.e. filled with two or more types of paper or nonwoven products, one of which is a roll of paper or nonwoven product similar to the rolls 50 of paper of nonwoven product provided in the packaging envelop 52. The packaging envelop 52 may also contain refill units of the other types of paper or nonwoven products contained in the dispenser 2. The packaging envelop may contain a different number of separate rolls 50, e.g. three, seven or seventeen.

According to example embodiments the dispenser 2 may be provided in various sizes. Purely by way of example the following uses and corresponding sizes are mentioned:

-   -   A dispenser 2 suitable for use in a holder for toilet paper may         have a diameter of 90-150 mm and a width of 90-110 mm. Local         variations in sizes of rolls of toilet paper, and accordingly         holders for toilet paper, may require modification of these         dimensions.     -   A dispenser 2 suitable for use in a holder for rolls of         household, or kitchen, towels may have a diameter of 90-150 mm         and a width of 200-260 mm. Again local variations in size may         require modification of these dimensions.     -   A dispenser 2 suitable for use in holders for rolls of paper or         nonwoven products intended e.g. for industry use. Such rolls are         of considerably larger sizes than rolls for domestic use.         Accordingly, such a dispenser 2 may have a diameter of 300-400         mm and a width of 400-500 mm.

The dispenser 2 may be manufactured from various different materials or material combinations, for instance may the dispenser be manufactured from cardboard or plastic.

Example embodiments may be combined as understood by a person skilled in the art. In particular it is pointed out that one and the same dispenser 2 may be provided with more than one arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser, e.g. a first friction device associated with openings in end walls of the dispenser 2 and a protrusion from an outer shell 4 of the dispenser 2. It is also understood by those skilled in the art that an arrangement for preventing rotation of the dispenser may include a weight distribution of the dispenser such that the centre of gravity of the dispenser is in a position closer to a lower end of the dispenser in a mounted state than to the centre of the dispenser. A wet paper or nonwoven product may comprise any liquid, in particular water or a disinfectant. A wet paper or nonwoven product also encompasses a liquid in the form of a lotion, which may have a skin treating property other than cleaning.

Even though the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art. For instance may the cylindrical shape of the dispenser be that of a polygonal cylinder, i.e. a cylinder with polygonal end walls instead of substantially circular end walls. The products to be dispensed may for instance be creped or non-creped or through air dried. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, combinations of features of disclosed embodiments as well as other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, the common abbreviation “e.g.”, which derives from the Latin phrase “exempli gratia,” may be used to introduce or specify a general example or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is not intended to be limiting of such item. If used herein, the common abbreviation “i.e.”, which derives from the Latin phrase “id est,” may be used to specify a particular item from a more general recitation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it may be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 

1. A dispenser (2) for at least two different types of paper or nonwoven products, wherein said dispenser (2) is adapted to be mounted in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper, and comprises a first compartment (32) adapted to contain a first type of paper or nonwoven product, and a second compartment (34) adapted to contain a second type of paper or nonwoven product characterised in that said dispenser (2) has a substantially cylindrical shape and comprises a substantially cylindrical outer shell (4), a first end wall (6) and a second end wall (8), wherein said outer shell (4) is connected to said first and second end walls (6, 8), and wherein said first and second end walls (6, 8) are provided with substantially centrally arranged openings (18) adapted to receive an axle of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or protrusions of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper.
 2. The dispenser (2) according to claim 1, wherein said dispenser (2) comprises an arrangement for preventing rotation of said dispenser.
 3. The dispenser (2) according to claim 2, wherein said arrangement for preventing rotation comprises a first friction device (20) arranged in or at, at least one of, said centrally arranged openings (18), said first friction device (20) being adapted for cooperation with an axle of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper or protrusions of a holder for a roll of absorbent paper.
 4. The dispenser (2) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein said arrangement for preventing rotation comprises a second friction device (30) arranged on an outside of said substantially cylindrical outer shell (4).
 5. The dispenser (2) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein said arrangement for preventing rotation comprises a protrusion (40; 46) arranged on an outside of said substantially cylindrical outer shell (4).
 6. The dispenser (2) according to according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substantially cylindrical outer shell (4) is provided with a first dispensing opening (10) to provide access to said first compartment (32) and a second dispensing opening (12) to provide access to said second compartment (34).
 7. The dispenser (2) according to claim 6, wherein said second dispensing opening (12) is provided with a sealing arrangement (28).
 8. The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first compartment (32) has a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to contain a roll (36; 50) of paper or nonwoven product arranged to rotate inside said first compartment (32).
 9. The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second compartment (34) has a substantially flat elongated cross section and extends across an inner surface of said substantially cylindrical outer shell (4).
 10. The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of said first side end wall (6) is removably attached to said substantially cylindrical outer shell (4) such that access to an inside of said dispenser (2) is provided.
 11. The dispenser (2) according to claim 10, wherein said access is provided to said first compartment (32) and/or said second compartment (34).
 12. An arrangement comprising a dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, a roll (36; 50) of a first paper or nonwoven product arranged in said first compartment (32), and a second paper or nonwoven product of a different type than in said first compartment arranged in said second compartment (34).
 13. The arrangement according to claim 12, wherein said second paper or nonwoven product is a wet paper or nonwoven product and is contained in a separate package (38) arranged in said second compartment (34).
 14. The arrangement according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein said roll (36; 50) of said first paper or nonwoven product is a roll (36; 50) of dry absorbent paper provided with a central through hole centred around said centrally arranged openings (18) of said first and second end walls (6, 8) and which roll (36, 50) is arranged to rotate inside said first compartment (32).
 15. The arrangement according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein said arrangement further comprises a packaging envelope (52) and a number of separate rolls (50) of said first paper or nonwoven product, and wherein said dispenser (2) and said number of separate rolls (50) of said first paper or nonwoven product are wrapped in said packaging envelope (52). 